Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee donated blood today at the mobile blood donation drive being held by the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) at the Central Government Offices (CGO).

They appealed to members of the public to donate blood actively to help patients in need.

The BTS will provide the mobile blood donation services at the CGO today and tomorrow.

Prof Lo said that the volume of blood collected by the BTS has been on the low side due to the rainy weather in recent days, putting pressure on the blood inventories.

He also pointed out that a single unit of whole blood can save as many as three patients.

“There is no substitute for blood and the shelf life of blood is limited. Therefore, it is of particular importance for citizens to donate blood voluntarily on a regular basis, so that a timely supply of blood of assured safety and quality can be secured for patients in need of rescue.”

Furthermore, the health chief noted that tomorrow will be World Blood Donor Day, designated by the World Health Organization.

“I call on members of the public, enterprises and organisations to actively participate in blood donation drives, thereby giving the hospitals a stable and safe blood supply for clinical transfusion and treatment purposes.”

People can make appointments for blood donation by calling a donor centre, via the BTS website or the HK Blood mobile application.